"Today, with the passing of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke, the world has lost a rare peacemaker, his country has lost a champion of American values in the world, a great American, and I have lost a trusted friend and confidant. The thoughts and prayers of my fellow Georgians, of my wife Sandra, and myself are with Kati, Richard's great family, and his countless friends and colleagues.
Ambassador Holbrooke served in the face of danger for the noblest of causes, and his loss will be felt deeply by America's allies and young democracies around the world. There will undoubtedly be books written about how he shaped American history with his brilliance, determination, and grit, but he also had a great role in Georgian history.
For the people of Georgia, Ambassador Holbrooke was more than a reliable ally in Washington-he was a man who cared deeply about our young democracy and who understood Georgia's potential as an ally of the United States. When our country was in the greatest need of support, Ambassador Holbrooke wrote: "We must show that our nation can continue to have influence elsewhere in the world and that we will not abandon our friends or our values."
His role was officially confined to Afghanistan and Pakistan, a region that taken alone may encompass the toughest problems now facing the world. But even as he sought peace in Afghanistan, he was rallying America's allies and the international community to support the mission there and confront the threat of terrorism and instability.
This mission brought him to Georgia many times in the last two years. He came to hail Georgian servicemen and praise the country for our contribution of nearly 1,000 troops to Afghanistan, but he also came to show American support for Georgia's democracy and independence.
We were so very grateful for his invaluable guidance, support, friendship and we will do whatever we can to support his legacy of peace and justice throughout the world.
The thoughts and prayers of Georgia are with his family".
Due to the decision made by the President of Georgia United States Special Envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke is awarded with Saint George's Victory Order posthumously for promoting peace and democracy throughout the world, for his personal shares in strengthening Georgian-American relations, for his special support provided for Georgia.
Tbilisi City Hall session will be held in nearest days, where the issue of naming one of Tbilisi streets after Richard Holbrook will be discussed.